By Manoj Jain · 2026-10-14
In North Indian tradition, kundali milan starts with Ashtakoot matching. It compares the Moon signs and Moon nakshatras of the two charts across eight factors, called kootas. Together they carry 36 points, or gunas.
The 8 kootas and their points
| Koota | Points | What it compares |
|---|---|---|
| Varna | 1 | Temperament and outlook |
| Vashya | 2 | Mutual attraction and influence |
| Tara | 3 | Birth star compatibility and fortune |
| Yoni | 4 | Physical and instinctive nature |
| Graha Maitri | 5 | Friendship between Moon sign lords |
| Gana | 6 | Deva, Manushya or Rakshasa nature |
| Bhakoot | 7 | Moon sign positions from each other |
| Nadi | 8 | Constitution; considered most important |
| Total | 36 |
What does the score mean?
Traditionally, 18 or more gunas is treated as acceptable for marriage, and a higher score as better. But the score is only the first filter.
Why gunas alone are not enough
- Doshas: Nadi dosh and Bhakoot dosh need separate checking, along with the classical exceptions that cancel them.
- Manglik status: Mars placement in both charts is checked, again with its exceptions.
- The 7th house and Navamsa: marriage promise and quality are read from the full chart, not only the Moon.
- Dasha: the running periods of both people show the timing of married life.
A couple with 28 gunas can still need care, and a couple with 20 can match well. That is why kundali milan is a full analysis, not a single number.
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